Sugar-free sodas, while offering lower calories and no sugar, present health concerns due to the artificial sweeteners they contain, such as potential links to increased appetite, changes in gut bacteria, glucose intolerance, and dental issues like enamel erosion.

Sugar-free carbonated drinks, including diet sodas and sugar-free flavored sparkling water, may cause problems ranging from headaches to increased risk of developing diabetes.

While the FDA deems sugar substitutes safe, studies have linked sucralose with a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity, which is thought to be due to changes in glucose metabolism. This may explain why some research connects diet soda use with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes.